Bonoan admits billions lost in ‘ghost’ projects in Bulacan

By Tracy Cabrera

Billions of pesos worth of “ghost” flood control projects in Bulacan have been uncovered, Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan admitted before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.

Pressed by Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, Bonoan conceded that irregularities indeed marred projects supposedly carried out from 2021 to 2022. “In all honesty, I think so,” he said when asked if ghost projects existed.

The revelations surfaced during the panel hearing led by Senator Rodante Marcoleta, which is investigating widespread corruption in flood control programs. 

Estrada cited reports that projects in Calumpit, Malolos, and Hagonoy involving Wawao Builders and SYMS Contractor were either incomplete or nonexistent.

Bonoan confirmed the reports, noting that witnesses are willing to testify. He revealed that of the P9 billion worth of contracts secured nationwide by Wawao Builders, 85 were in Bulacan, costing nearly P6 billion — many of which appear to be ghost projects.

Amid the scandal, calls have mounted for Bonoan’s resignation, with critics invoking command responsibility despite his claim that erring district offices and contractors were behind the anomalies.